Bioactive Ritha Herbal Soap Using the Decoction Method with Selected Medicinal Plants

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate Ritha (or, Reetha) herbal soap formulated with bioactive herbal extracts recognized for their ethno-pharmacological and dermatological properties in Ayurveda. The formulation incorporated extracts from Acacia nilotica, Aloe barbadensis, Azadirachta indica, Citrus lemon, Cocus nucifera, Curcuma longa, Ocimum sanctum, and Sapindus mukorossi. These plant materials were processed using appropriate extraction techniques tailored to their specific constituents. The soap was prepared by combining the extracts with fatty oils and sodium hydroxide (lye) using the hot decoction method. The prepared herbal soap was compared to commercially available soaps in terms of its physical and chemical properties, including appearance, color, and odor. Key parameters of the soap were measured, yielding the following results: pH (8.38), % free alkali content (0.34), foamability (17 cm), foam stability (15 cm), moisture content (6.4%), and alcohol-insoluble matter (2.25%). Additionally, antioxidant and antibacterial activities were assessed, demonstrating that the soap exhibited potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This study concludes that high-quality herbal soap can be effectively formulated using the hot decoction method, incorporating parameters such as skin compatibility and the bioactive potential of the selected herbs.